Those in favor said setting architectural standards in residential zoning districts is a way to upgrade neighborhoods that aren't deed restricted and thus protect home owners' property values.

Those opposed saw the rules as forcing excessive regulations on future home owners.

Planning commissioners voted 3-2 to recommend approval to the County Commission, which will hold two public hearings on the ordinance before the end of July.

The ordinance would include specifications for houses' foundations and outer coverings and set architectural standards intended to prevent homes from looking like simple boxes. An attached garage would be required in certain zoning categories.

The original ordinance in 2000 was spurred by a neighborhood upheaval when a modular home was built in Royal Highlands. Modular homes are treated like a site-built homes under building codes. In 2010, the County Commission repealed the ordinance at the request of a citizens committee.

The new ordinance was drawn up after residents complained about a new modular home in Royal Highlands that looks like a mobile home.

On Tuesday, Lynn Gruber-White, president of the Ridge Manor Property Owners Association, urged planning commissioners to recommend the ordinance.

"We have property owners who bought and built because their investment was going to be protected,'' she said.